Tirupati: To overcome Corona crisis, cab drivers turn liquor smugglers

Tirupati: Months of unemployment has forced many cab drivers into bootlegging in the district. With no income due to lockdown and restrictions, many travel vehicle drivers have turned to smuggling non-duty paid (NDP) liquor from Karnataka. Statistics of raids and seizures effected by Special Enforcement Bureau in the last few months reveal that 22 out of the 46 liquor smugglers caught in the act in the district were travel vehicle or cab drivers.

Huge difference in the price of liquor in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka means earning considerable profit to maintain their families in these hard times. According to sources, have turned to smuggling liquor from Karnataka as it is just across the border from Chittoor district. The AP government has increased the prices of cheap liquor abnormally, purportedly to wean away addicts from the booze as part of its ‘phased’ prohibition. While a quarter bottle of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) sells at Rs 180 in our state, it is around Rs 80 in the neighbouring states.

https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/tirupati-to-overcome-corona-crisis-cab-drivers-turn-liquor-smugglers-638905